A mother of two, cycling on the road, died in a road accident occurred on the Paranthan - Poonaryn main road at around 6.30am today (11).

The accident took place in Saampulam, Poonaryn. The van, which knocked down the victim, was returning from Kataragama with a group of pilgrims. Police said the vehicle has veered off the road due to excessive speed.

Meanwhile, an occupant of the van, a 22-year-old from Nallur, Jaffna was also admitted to hospital with critical injuries.